A STUDY ON TRANSFORMATION OF PREMISES FOREST IN THE NORTHERN AND MIDDLE PART OF OKINAWA ISLAND

Abstract

This study analyses the changes of yashikirin (premises forest) in the middle and northern part of Okinawa Island using aerial photographs taken in 1945 (by US Navy during World War Two), 1972-74 and 2003 as well as field interviews of residents in 90 villages. It reveals that most villages in this part of Okinawa Island before World War Two were covered with yashikirin including those located inland. Although yashikirin was an essential part of residential environment in this area before World War Two, it disappeared rapidly in the postwar years due to the US military occupation and modernization of life style.